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Morning Skate Updates 4/10/14

by
Cory Wright
/ New York Islanders

The Islanders kick off their final road trip of the season tonight in Montreal. The Islanders are looking for their first win over the Habs this season, after going 0-1-1 in the first two meetings this season.

The injury-riddled Islanders were dealt another blow on Tuesday, as Cal Clutterbuck left the game with an upper-body injury. Clutterbuck will not play tonight in Montreal, meaning emergency callup Johan Sundstrom will draw into the lineup. With Sundstrom, the Islanders will dress 11 rookies for tonight’s game, but the youth movement has found success, as the Islanders are 5-2-2 in their last nine games.

While the rookies compete for roster spots in 2014-15, the Canadiens are playing for home-ice advantage in their first round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tonight also marks the first meeting between the Islanders and Thomas Vanek since he was dealt at the March 5 trade deadline. Vanek is finding his groove with the Canadiens, having scored nine points (two goals, seven assists) in his last six games. The Austrian star had 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 47 games with the Islanders.

Ahead of tonight’s game, the Islanders held a full morning skate at Centre Bell. Here are some news, notes and quotes from today’s skate.

Lineup Notes/Changes:

Capuano: Sundstrom in the lineup for Cal Clutterbuck (upper body). Strome likely to play wing with Nelson at center. #Isles

Nabokov Off First: Head coach Jack Capuano did not confirm a starting goaltender tonight. Evgeni Nabokov was the first goalie off the ice on Thursday and was in goal during the Islanders 1-0 overtime loss to the Habs on December 14.

Bailey:Josh Bailey is one point shy of setting a new career high. Bailey has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last six games and 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists) this season.

Habs PK: The Canadiens have the NHL’s third-ranked penalty kill with an 85.5% conversion rate.